Royal Navy ship fires weapons during Pacific patrol

Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Tamar has conducted live gunnery training in the Coral Sea as part of her ongoing Indo-Pacific deployment, according to the service.

The training took place after the River-class vessel departed Brisbane, where she had made a port visit during the latest phase of her regional patrols. Following her departure from the Queensland capital, the ship’s warfare team carried out live-fire serials designed to test marksmanship and coordination.

According to the Royal Navy, the drills involved high-speed manoeuvring by the ship’s boats, which acted as moving targets to challenge gun crews and replicate demanding operational conditions at sea. HMS Tamar had sailed to Brisbane after an 850-mile transit south from Cairns, which serves as the ship’s primary logistics hub while operating in the Coral Sea and surrounding waters. The visit formed part of a wider programme of engagement, resupply and diplomatic activity.

While alongside on the Brisbane River, the ship hosted Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, who received a ceremonial welcome including a Guard of Honour. She later toured the vessel and met members of the crew to gain an overview of life on board and the ship’s regional mission. The port visit also included engagement with Queensland defence industry representatives. According to the Royal Navy, discussions focused on the importance of regional industrial support for sustaining deployed warships operating far from home bases.

HMS Tamar is now in her fifth year of continuous operations in the Indo-Pacific, an area stretching from the eastern coast of Africa to the central Pacific. The Royal Navy said the deployment relies on an extended logistics network involving partner nations, local shipyards and contractors supporting British vessels overseas.

Commander Tom Lindsey, HMS Tamar’s commanding officer, said: “Visits like these help us build relationships with one of our closest allies, help our shared prosperity and create memories for life for our sailors.” He added: “Collaborating with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office partners in Queensland has been very productive and helped to amplify our output and the level of engagement we can achieve as a visiting ship.”

Following the visit, the Royal Navy said the ship resumed patrols in the region, with the gunnery serials forming part of routine training to maintain readiness during sustained forward deployment.